Vest personal flotation device saver

ABSTRACT

A vest-type personal flotation device saver includes: (a) a main body comprising: (1) a saver pillow portion, (2) two substantially mirror image saver tail portions extending from the pillow portion, and (3) a central open neck, (4) a gap extending down from the open neck between two closed sides of the tail portions, (5) a closed tail end pocket at the end of each saver tail portion, and (6) three closable, adjacent sides of the main body; (b) a releasable closure mechanism on the main body; (c) a releasable saver waist strap device attached to the saver tail portion; and (d) a locking mechanism on the main body adjacent the closure mechanism; and preferably (e) a conversion grab strap, (f) a storage pocket, and (g) a conversion flotation liner; wherein the main body has open and closed positions. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a vest-type personal flotation devicesaver that can be used in combination with a serviceable ornon-serviceable Type I or II personal flotation device by a swimmer inthe water in a potential emergency situation for use as a personalflotation device.

2. Background Information

An estimated 17 million old personal flotation devices (called “PFDs”herein) are discarded every year in the United States. The US CoastGuard and most states require that old, non-serviceable PFDs be takenout of service. “Non-serviceable” means that the PFD must not be usedfor service as a life saving device, since it may fail. Often, the outerfabric of the PFD has deteriorated and therefore may fail to hold intactthe life saving fill material inside it. PFDs are designed to keep aperson afloat during an emergency. Torn, worn, rotten, and deterioratedPFD fabrics can put the user's life in peril in an emergency situation.

Secondly, old PFDs cause disposal problems. In a landfill, they aregenerally not biodegradable and can last for hundreds of years. Old PFDsthat are channeled into garbage disposal systems are often burned alongwith other garbage, which can release hazardous fumes into theenvironment. If they are not properly disposed of, old PFDs are a hazardto wildlife. A device that protects any PFD, old or new, preserves itagainst the elements, such as wind and rain, and sun, and thus helps toprotect the environment from the adverse effects of old discarded units.

The combination of the personal flotation device saver (hereinafter “PFDsaver”) of the present invention and a universal life preserver (PFD)inserted in it is itself a life preserver that is capable of meeting USCoast Guard requirements. Normally, if a life preserver is placed withina hand-sewn cover, for example, it is considered non-accessible andtherefore would not qualify for use as a life preserver. In a home sewncover, the PFD would be discounted as ineffective by the US Coast Guardand other state law enforcement agencies. The PFD saver combination ofthe present invention actually becomes a comparable or better product incomparison with the PFD that has been inserted in it. For instance, avest-type PFD saver of the present invention with a Type II PFD insertedin it becomes a dual purpose Type II and Type IV PFD. Meanwhile, theenclosed PFD is protected, giving it an extended life span. It isbelieved that PFD savers according to the present invention extend thelife of enclosed PFDs indefinitely, and help to stop damage being doneto the environment caused by discarding old, non-usable products.

The present PFD saver is intended to help protect the environmentagainst discarded “non-serviceable” PFDs and to keep new PFDs in newcondition for a longer period. The PFD savers will be replaced over timeinstead of replacing the PFDs themselves. Old PFDs can be utilized in anew way by inserting them in PFD savers.

A vest-type PFD saver of the present invention with a Type I or II PFDinserted in it is available for immediate use as a Type IV PFD by aperson in distress in the water. A second option is to open theconversion connector device of the invention and use the PFD saver/PFDcombination as a Type II PFD. A third option is to open the PFD saver ofthe present invention, remove the PFD, and use the PFD on its own in aconventional manner. Meanwhile, the enclosed PFD is protected, giving itan extended lifespan. The PFD saver of the present invention isbeneficial to boaters as it will save them from having to purchase aseparate Type IV PFD, and helps to stop damage to the environment causedby discarding old, non-usable products.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a vest-type PFD saver, which comprises: (a) amain body comprising: (1) a saver pillow portion, (2) two substantiallymirror image saver tail portions extending from the pillow portion, and(3) a central open neck, (4) a gap extending down from the open neckbetween two closed sides of the tail portions, (5) a closed tail endpocket at the end of each saver tail portion, and (6) three closable,adjacent sides of the main body; (b) a releasable closure mechanism oneach of the three closable, adjacent sides of the main body; (c) areleasable saver waist strap device, a portion of which is attached tothe saver tail portion; and (d) a locking mechanism on the main bodyadjacent the closure mechanism. The main body has an open position, anda closed position in which the closure mechanism is closed. The PFDsaver is preferably in combination with a PFD. The present PFD saver mayfurther include a conversion system including: (1) a releasableconversion connector device attached to a closed end of each of thesaver tail portions; (2) at least two conversion grab straps havingopposite ends attached to the main body; and (3) a conversion flotationliner that comprises buoyant conversion flotation liner sections.

Advantages of the vest-type PFD savers of the present invention includethe following:

-   -   1) They protect new or used but serviceable PFDs from the        effects of weather and the ultraviolet rays of the sun, and from        wear and tear.    -   2) They allow old, weathered, or worn (non-serviceable) PFDs to        be utilized in lieu of being burned in incinerators or discarded        in landfills or inappropriate locations, where they can be a        hazard to wildlife. This helps to protect the environment. As        the PFD saver of the present invention fails over time, it can        be replaced and the like-new PFD inside it gets a second life,        then a third, and so forth.    -   3) The PFD saver/PFD combination can be thrown to a person in        the water in a potential emergency situation for use as a Type        IV personal flotation device. Secondly, the conversion connector        device can be opened for use as a Type II PFD. Thirdly, the        interior Type I or II PFD can be removed from the PFD saver and        the interior PFD is then used as a universal PFD to help a        person in distress stay afloat in the water.    -   4) The conversion flotation liner in the PFD saver, if any, can        be fabricated from used foam fill material from old PFDs, so        long as the recycled fill material is still sufficiently buoyant        to meet requirements. This helps to conserve resources and        protect the environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the invention and its advantages willbe apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, wherein examples of the invention areshown, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vest-type PFD saver according to thepresent invention, shown in an open position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vest-type PFD saver according toFIG. 1, shown ready for use;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a vest-type PFD saver according to thepresent invention, shown in an open position with a PFD inside;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of a vest-type PFD saver according to thepresent invention, shown in an open position;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the vest-type PFD saver according toFIG. 3, taken across line 5-5;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a vest-type PFD saver according to thepresent invention, shown with a closed zipper;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the vest-type PFD saver according toFIG. 6, taken across line 7-7;

FIG. 8 is an expanded view of a zipper pull area of a vest-type PFDsaver according to the present invention, shown in a closed, lockedposition; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a locked locking mechanism of a vest-typePFD saver according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, like reference characters designate likeor corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also, in thefollowing description, it is to be understood that such terms as“front,” “back,” “within,” and the like are words of convenience and arenot to be construed as limiting terms. Referring in more detail to thedrawings, a PFD saver embodying the principles and concepts of thepresent invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 20will now be described.

Turning first to FIGS. 1 and 2, a vest-type personal flotation devicesaver 20 for holding a PFD comprises: (a) a main body 61 comprising: (1)a saver pillow portion 62, (2) two substantially mirror image saver tailportions 63 extending from the pillow portion, and (3) a central openneck 64, (4) a gap 72 extending down from the open neck between twoclosed sides of the tail portions 63, (5) a closed tail end pocket 65 atthe end of each saver tail portion 63, and (6) three closable, adjacentsides of the main body 61; (b) a releasable closure mechanism 17 on eachof the three closable, adjacent sides of the main body 61, as seen inFIGS. 4, 7, and 8; (c) a releasable saver waist strap device 68, aportion of which is attached to the saver tail portion 63; and (d) alocking mechanism 40, preferably comprising locking strips 45 and a setof locking holes 44 on each of the three sides 66, 67 of the PFD saver,as illustrated in FIG. 2. The main body 61 has an open position forloading a Type II PFD 21 (or Type I PFD) in which the closure mechanism17 is open, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, and a closed position for use inwhich the closure mechanism 17 is closed, as seen in FIG. 2.

The PFD saver 20 preferably further includes: (e) a releasableconversion connector device 70 attached to a closed end 71 of each ofthe saver tail portions 63; (f) at least two conversion grab straps 34attached to the main body 61; and/or (g) a conversion flotation liner 75comprising top and bottom pillow and tail conversion flotation linersections 75A, 75B, as seen in FIG. 5. Also, the PFD saver 20 preferablyfurther includes: at least two hook and loop tabs 24 at the top cornersof the PFD saver, or at least one short seam 28 stitched at each of thetwo side corners as seen in FIG. 2, to form two neat boxed corners onthe PFD saver.

When the conversion connector device 70 is attached, the two saver tailportions 63 are connected to one another. When the conversion connectordevice 70 is open, the through gap 72 can be widened by the user so thatthe yoke-like PFD saver 20/PFD 21 combination can be draped around theuser's neck for possible or actual use. The releasable saver waist strapencircles the user's waist and the saver tail portions 63 when the PFDsaver 20 is in the closed position and in use. By “releasable” herein ismeant that the waist strap device 68 and conversion connector device 70can each be repeatedly opened and closed (reattached) as desired.

The vest-type PFD saver 20 is ready for use once a Type II personalflotation device (“PFD”) 21 has been inserted into it, as seen inoutline in FIG. 3. The vest-type PFD saver 20 protects the Type II PFD21 within it. The vest-type PFD saver/Type II PFD combination isavailable for immediate use by a person in distress as a Type IV PFDwhen the conversion connector device 70 is in the normally closedposition. The combination is sufficiently buoyant to support the weightof the person in the water. It is also readily available for use as aType II PFD by opening conversion buckles 83.

The three closable, adjacent sides of the main body 61 are the twoclosable, opposite longitudinal sides 66 of the main body 61, and aclosable open pillow end 67 at the top of the saver pillow portion 62opposite the closed tail end pockets 65. By “adjacent sides” herein ismeant that the end of each longitudinal side 66 contacts an opposite endof the closable pillow end 67, preferably forming right angles. Theopposite ends of each longitudinal side 66 connect to a closed end 71 ofa different one of the tail portions 63, preferably also formingapproximate right angles, as seen in FIG. 2. The four outer corners ofthe PFD saver 20, which is somewhat flexible, may be rounded.

The main body 61 of a preferred PFD saver 20 as seen in FIGS. I and 2 ismade from two generally equal and rectangular pieces of a long lasting,UV (ultraviolet rays) resistant, outdoor, substantially flexible andbreathable, sturdy material that has been approved by the US CoastGuard. Such materials may include nylon, polyester, canvas, denim,cotton, etc. The main body 61 is preferably fluorescent orange or red,as desired by the end user. The two, single layer pieces form the bottomand top sections 22, 23 of the main body 61. They are preferablysubstantially the same size as one another. The main body may instead befabricated from a single piece of material with no seam on the bottom71.

The main body 61 has an open position for loading the PFD 21 in the PFDsaver 20, and a closed position for use. The main body 61 is in theclosed position once the closure mechanism 17 has been closed, which isdone after the PFD is inserted in the PFD saver.

Continuing with FIGS. 1 and 2, the saver pillow portion 62 is at one endof the assembled main body 61 of the PFD saver 20, and the two mirrorimage saver tail portions 63 extend down from either side of the pillowportion 62. When the Type I or II PFD 21 is in the PFD saver 20, thecombination resembles the PFD. When the PFD 21 is in the PFD saver 20,flexible creases 57 demarcate the saver pillow portion 62 from the twosaver tail portions 63 on each side of the central open neck 64. Thesaver gap 72 extends down from the open neck 64 between the saver tailportions 63. The gap 72, or split, divides the two saver tail portions63 from one another. The tail ends 71 of the two saver tail portions 63are permanently closed. The inside sides, which are on either side ofthe gap 72 between the saver tail portions 63, are also closed, as by asewn seam. The outside, longitudinal edges of the main body form the twoclosable, opposite longitudinal sides 66. The PFD saver/PFD combinationis ready for use once the PFD has been inserted in the chamber 39 formedby the bottom and top sections 22, 23, the bottom, closed tail ends 71,the closed inside tail sides alongside the tail portion gap 72, and thelongitudinal sides 66 and the pillow end 67 once they have been sealed.

A Type I PFD can be used in place of a Type II PFD 21, if desired. AType I PFD has the same general appearance as the Type II PFD 21 shownin FIG. 3. A Type I PFD is ordinarily intended for use in the ocean, soit has more fill than a thinner Type II PFD. The Type II PFD isfrequently used in coastal areas, lakes, and the like. The thicker TypeI PFDs are often the life jackets worn by passengers during ocean-goingcruise safety drills. It is understood that some adjustments in size andshape may be necessary.

The tail end pocket 65 at the outer end of each saver tail portion 63supports the PFD tail sections 54 when the PFD 21 is in the PFD saver20, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. It is believed that the tail end pockets65 speed and ease insertion of the PFD into the PFD saver 20. The closedtail end pockets 65 also hold the PFD in place while the closuremechanism 17, such as the hook and loops strips 19 or zipper portions46, are closed.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, each closed tail end pocket 65 is formed byclosing the lower corner of each longitudinal side 66 like a hospitalcorner of a bed sheet and sewing or gluing it in place. A top flap 74 isformed by folding down the edge of the material of the top section 23.The top flap 74 overlies a bottom flap 76 formed by folding up an edgeof the bottom section 22 along the two longitudinal sides 66 of the PFDsaver 20.

A light weight strip 29 as seen in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 is optionallyincluded in each tail end pocket 65 for adding weight to that end of thePFD saver/PFD combination. In addition to bringing the weight of thecombination up to a required government standard, if any, it is believedthat the small amount of additional weight added by the weight strips 29makes the PFD saver/PFD combination easier to throw accurately tosomeone in distress in the water. An accurate toss can mean thedifference between life and death in some circumstances. The weightstrip 29 is preferably straight and made of recycled plastic. Eachweight strip 29 preferably weighs between about two and about fourounces. It is preferably attached to the bottom in each tail end pocket65 of each saver tail portion 63 within the chamber 39, as seen in FIGS.4 and 5.

As seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6, the main body 61 includes a number ofdrain holes 35, preferably two at the outer corner of the closed tailend 71 of each saver tail portion 63, so that water, if any, can drainout from inside the main body 61. Each drain hole 35 is preferablysurrounded by a rust-resistant grommet 51.

The releasable closure mechanism 17 is preferably a number of hook andloop strips 19, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Preferably, the backs of firsthook and loop strips 19A, or first parts of another closure mechanism,are attached to the inside surface 32 of the top section 23 along theparticular side edge. The backs of corresponding hook and loop strips19B, or second, mating parts of another closure mechanism, are attachedto an outside surface 31 of the bottom section 22 along the particularside edge, as seen in FIG. 5. The hook and loop strips 19 of the closuremechanism 17 are removably attached to one another when the PFD saver 20is in the closed position, and are not mated when the PFD saver 20 is inthe open position shown in FIG. 4. Preferably, about a 1½ inch gap isincluded in the hook and loop strips 19 along the side closures at theneckline to allow flexibility and comfort while wearing a vest-type PFDsaver 20/Type II PFD 21 combination.

The edges of the longitudinal and top side edges 66, 67 of the bottomsection 22 are folded up (along the sides of the PFD in the saver) toform three bottom flaps 76, and the edges of the longitudinal and topside 66, 67 of the top section 23 fold down to form three top flaps 74(see FIGS. 1 and 2). At least two, most preferably three, top flaps 74of the PFD saver are closed over the corresponding bottom flaps 76 ofthe PFD saver once the PFD is inside using the hook and loop strips. Thepillow side 67 of the PFD saver 20 is preferably dressed with at leasttwo hook and loop tabs 24 at the top corners of the saver. When they areattached, the hook and loop tabs 24 form neat boxed corners on the PFDsaver 20. An alternative to the hook and loop tab is a short seam 28that is stitched at each of the two side corners to form two neat boxedcorners on the PFD saver, as seen in FIG. 2.

To close the PFD saver 20 once the PFD 21 has been inserted in it, theuser closes the top flap 74 as seen in FIG. 2 over the bottom flap 76 ofthe bottom section 22, or vice versa, so that the hook and loop strips19 on the flaps 74, 76 align on each of the three sides 66, 67. In thesaver closed position, all three sides 66, 67 are closed. To open thePFD saver 20, the user simply pulls up on the top flap 74, or down onthe bottom flap 76 if it overlaps the top flap, on each of the threesides 66, 67. Once the PFD saver 20 is open, the PFD 21 can be removedfrom the PFD saver 20.

The PFD saver 20 includes a locking mechanism 40 for locking the PFDsaver once a non-serviceable PFD has been installed in it. The preferredlocking mechanism 40 comprises a set of locking holes 44 on each of thethree sides 66, 67 of the PFD saver, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,and a locking strip 45 through each set of the locking holes 44. Thelocking strip 45 is passed through one locking hole 44 in the set andthen the other locking hole 44 in the set and is then sealed (see FIGS.2 and 9). Thus, three locking strips 45 lock the three saver sides 66,67.

If they have been cut, one or more of the locking strips 45 of thelocking mechanism 40 can easily be replaced by removing a replacementlocking strip from a storage pocket 30 on the PFD saver 20, andinserting it through the two sets of locking holes 44, as illustrated inFIG. 9, while the PFD saver 20 is in the closed position. Thereplacement locking strip 45 is then sealed. Where the locking strip 45is a preferred tie wrap, it is sealed by inserting the end 58 of the tiewrap through the locking loop 59 on the tie wrap and pulling it (seeFIG. 9).

Turning now to FIGS. 6 through 8, a zipper closure mechanism can be usedinstead of hook and loop strips to close the three adjacent sides 66, 67of the main body 61. As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, a first portion 46A of azipper 46, such as an upholstery zipper, is attached to the edge of thetop section 23 of the main body 61. A corresponding, second portion 46Bof the zipper 46 is attached to the bottom section 22 of the main body61. The PFD saver 20 has an open position with the zipper 46 open, and aclosed position with the two portions of the zipper 46 zipped together.One zipper 46 preferably extends around the three sides 66, 67, althoughone zipper on each side (total of three zippers) could be employed.

The top flap 74 preferably extends over and protects the zipper as seenin FIGS. 6-8. The top flap 74 can be formed by folding back a strip,preferably about one inch, of the material of the top section 23 (seeFIG. 7).

Alternatively, the top flap 74 can be formed by sewing the zipperportion 46A to the inside surface of a top (or bottom) side strip of thesame material as the top section 23 along the midline of the side stripon its inside surface 32. One longitudinal edge of the top side strip issewn to a side edge of the top section 23. The opposite, longitudinaledge of the top side strip forms the top flap 74. The top flap 74overlaps the bottom flap 76. One longitudinal edge of the bottom flap 76is sewn to a side edge of the bottom section 22. The rear edge of theother portion of the zipper 46B is sewn to the opposite, longitudinaledge of the bottom flap 76, as seen in FIG. 8. The two zipper portions46A, 46B are then in a position to be zipped open or closed, as desired.The ends 77 of the top side strip and the bottom flap 76 adjacent thezipper pull when it is closed overlap a top end of a tail end pocket 65,as seen in FIG. 8. The zipper pull locking hole(s) 48 are in the endportion of the tail end pocket 65. Each locking hole 48 is preferablysurrounded by a rust-resistant grommet 51.

If desired, the zipper 46 can be closed and locked by inserting alocking strip 45 (preferably nylon) through a hole 49 in a zipper pull47 of the zipper 46 and through at least one and preferably two of thezipper pull locking holes 48, as seen in FIG. 8. The locking strip 45 isthen sealed. This is advisable when the PFD is non-serviceable.

If desired, the sealed plastic locking strip 45 can be cut in order toopen the PFD saver 20. Authorities, such as US Coast Guard personnel,may find it necessary to do so in order to inspect the PFD within thePFD saver 20. Hook and loop locking holes 44 can be used when the PFDsaver 20 includes the hook and loop strips. Each locking hole 44, 48 inthe main body 61 is preferably surrounded by a grommet 51, as seen inFIG. 8.

A cut locking strip 45 is easily replaced by removing a replacementlocking strip from the storage pocket 30, inserting it through thelocking holes 44, 48, and sealing the replacement locking strip 45. Thestorage pocket 30 is ordinarily inside and adjacent the area of thezipper 46 or hook and loop strips 19, where it is protected and caneasily be accessed (see FIGS. 3 and 5). It can alternatively be locatedwithin the tail end pocket 65. The storage pocket 30 accommodates sparelocking strips when the locking mechanism 40 of the PFD saver 20includes a locking strip 45 (see FIG. 8). Where the closure mechanism isa zipper 46, the locking strip 45 is inserted through the zipper pulllocking holes 48 and the hole 49 in the zipper pull 47 of the zipped upzipper 46, and then sealed. The locking strip 45 is preferably a tiewrap.

The PFD saver 20 preferably includes a conversion flotation liner 75,which most preferably includes two substantially planar pieces ofconversion flotation liner 75A in each saver pillow portion 62 and twosubstantially planar conversion flotation liner pieces 75B in each savertail portion 63, as seen in FIG. 5 (for a total of six liner pieces ineach combination). In the PFD saver of FIG. 5, one conversion flotationliner piece 75A rests on top of the PFD pillow section 53 in the PFDsaver 20, and one similarly sized pillow conversion flotation linerpiece 75A lies under the PFD pillow section 53. Similarly, one tailconversion flotation liner piece 75B rests on top of each PFD tailsection 54 in the PFD saver 20, and one similarly sized tail conversionflotation liner piece 75B lies under each PFD tail section 54 in the PFDsaver 20. The conversion flotation liner pieces 75 are preferably madeof closed cell foam material that has been recycled from non-serviceablePFDs. The pillow conversion flotation liner piece 75A is approximatelythe length and width of the saver pillow portion 62 and the tailconversion flotation liner piece 75B is preferably the length and widthof a saver tail portion 63. The conversion flotation liner 75 providesbuoyancy and cushioning for comfort, and prevents the straps/buckles ofthe PFD from being felt by the wearer of the PFD saver/PFD combination.

The closed cell foam conversion flotation liner 75 pieces add a minimumof 4.5 pounds of inherent buoyancy to the vest-type PFD saver/ PFDcombination, so that the combination qualifies as a Type IV PFD, or aType I or II PFD where a Type II PFD has been inserted. If the closedcell foam conversion flotation liner pieces 75 are not included in thevest-type PFD saver 20, it is believed that the combination stillqualifies as a Type II PFD, or a Type I PFD where a Type I or Type IIPFD is inserted.

A patch 33 bearing a logos or seal may be attached to or printed on anoutside surface 31 of the main body 61, as seen in FIGS. 1-3 and 6. Thepatch 33 preferably bears a US Coast Guard seal of approval and is sewnor adhered to, or printed directly on, a lower corner, or the center, ofthe top section 23 of the PFD saver 20. The PFD saver 20 can be stuffedwith other suitable types of PFD fill, or with another type of suitable,lightweight, floatable, water-resistant fill material, as desired. Fillmaterial must meet US Coast Guard specifications.

The patch 33 preferably shows the approval number as well as the type ofdevice the PFD saver 20 becomes under which conditions, the location ofwhich may vary. The patch 33 preferably includes a warning that advisesthe end user of the requirement to permanently lock the PFD saver 20when a non-serviceable PFD is contained in it.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 6, the vest-type PFD saver 20 furtherincludes a releasable waist strap device 68, which includes a waiststrap 81. The waist strap device includes corresponding waist strapbuckle portions 78A, 78B affixed to opposite ends of the saver waiststrap 81. The waist strap device 68 is releasably closed by sliding onewaist strap buckle portion 78B into the other waist strap buckle portion78A. The waist strap 81 encircles the saver tail portions 63. One endportion of the saver waist strap 81 is preferably affixed to the topsection 23 on one tail portion 63 at 79. The opposite end portion of thesaver waist strap 81 slides under a waist strap loop 80 that is affixedto the top section 23 of the other tail portion 63. The waist strap loop80 holds the waist strap 81 in place and allows for adjustment. In use,the PFD saver 20/ PFD 21 combination can be draped around the user'sneck, with the saver pillow portion 62 behind the user's head and neckand the saver tail portions resting on the user's chest area. The saverwaist strap 81 can be tightened by pulling on the opposite end portionwith its waist strap buckle portion 78B. The saver waist strap 81 issized to meet US Coast Guard requirements. The waist strap buckle 78 ofthe waist strap device 68 is preferably a snap or clasp buckle in frontof the PFD saver.

The Type IV-type conversion system of the PFD saver 20 preferablycomprises: (1) the releasable conversion connector device 70, which isattached to a closed end of each of the saver tail portions, (2) atleast two conversion grab straps 34 attached to the main body; and (3)the conversion flotation liner 75, which preferably comprises top andbottom pillow conversion flotation liner sections and top and bottomtail conversion flotation liner sections. As seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6,the conversion connector device 70 includes two short conversionconnector straps 82A, 82B, and a corresponding conversion connectorstrap buckle portion 83A, 83B. The conversion connector strap buckleportions 83 are each affixed to an end of the two saver conversionconnector straps 82. The conversion connector device 70 is releasablyclosed by sliding one conversion connector strap buckle portion 83B intothe other conversion connector strap buckle portion 83A. The conversionconnector device 70 joins the saver tail portions 63 to one another whenit is in the closed position. An opposite end portion of each shortconversion connector strap 82 is preferably affixed to the closed end 71of one tail portion 63 at a conversion strap attachment site 84, as seenin FIGS. 1, 2, and 6. The conversion connector strap buckle 83 of theconversion connector device 70 is preferably a snap or clasp buckle.

Where the PFD saver 20 houses a Type II PFD 21, the combination PFDsaver/Type II PFD is immediately available as a Type IV PFD when the PFDsaver is closed and the two conversion connector strap buckle portions83 of the saver conversion connector device 70 are snapped together in anormally closed position. To permit a change from a Type IV PFD to aType II PFD, so that it is readily available as a Type II PFD, theconversion connector buckle 83 of the conversion connector device 70 isunsnapped so that it is in an open position. The PFD saver 20alternatively houses a Type II PFD 21 that is available only as a TypeII PFD, as long as the PFD saver 20 remains unlocked and the Type II PFDinside is serviceable. Where the PFD is serviceable, the conversionconnector device 70, conversion flotation liner 75, and conversion grabstraps 34 of the Type IV-type PFD system can be eliminated. A lockingmechanism 40, such as the locking strip 45 shown in FIG. 8, is requiredwhen a non-serviceable PFD is installed in the PFD saver 20. When anon-serviceable PFD is installed inside the PFD saver 20, the lockingmechanism 40, such as the locking strip 45 shown in FIG. 8, is locked.

The PFD saver 20 preferably includes two equal length conversion grabstraps 34 affixed to the bottom section 22 on opposite longitudinalsides 66 of the main body 61. The opposite ends of each mirror imageconversion grab strap 34 are affixed to the opposite longitudinal sidesof the bottom section 22 at grab strap attachment sites 36. Theconversion grab strap 34 is preferably made of cotton, polyester, and/ornylon material and conforms to all the requirements of the US CoastGuard. If the combination PFD saver 20/PFD 21 will be used as a Type IIPFD only, conversion grab straps 34 are not needed and can be omitted.

To use the PFD saver 20/PFD 21 combination, the user opens theconversion connector strap buckle 83 and the waist strap buckle 78 andplaces the combination around the user's shoulders with the neck opening64 around the user's neck. The user then fastens the waist strap aroundthe waist. This is usage as a Type II PFD.

Alternatively, when the conversion connector device 70 is closed, theuser can place one arm through each conversion grab strap 34 of the PFDsaver 20/PFD combination, and hug the central main body 61 against theuser's chest. Either the top section 23 or the bottom section 22 of themain body 61 can be pressed against the user's chest. If desired, theuser can wrap each arm around the main body 61 and lean on the PFDsaver/PFD combination as the user floats in the ocean or other body ofwater. This is Type IV PFD-type usage.

When the PFD saver 20 is not in use, the conversion grab straps 34 hangloosely on either side of the main body 61. Either conversion grab strap34 can be used to pick up the PFD saver/PFD combination on a boat or ona dock, for example, and throw it in the water. The conversion grabstrap 34 is also useful for grabbing the floating PFD saver/PFDcombination and pulling it to the user when the user is in the water.

In a preferred embodiment of the PFD saver 20, stitching material at a45 degree hem is heavy outdoor rated upholstery thread, seams 28 remainsimple with a single seam along bottom and interior sections of thevest-type PFD saver 20, and all edges are folded back and hemmed.

In a preferred PFD saver 20, a weight strip 29 made from recycledplastic material is included to increase overall weight, depending onthe added weight provided by the closed cell foam conversion flotationliner pieces 75. If a zipper 46 is used, there will be at least twoseams 28 around the vest-type PFD saver 20 (see FIG. 8). As seen in FIG.8, the zipper pull 47 can be locked closed through zipper pull lockingholes 48 with grommets 51 in the tail end pocket 65. The top flap 74covers the zipper 46. The preferred PFD saver 20 also includes drainholes 35 for drainage. Certain main body materials may require grommetsaround the drain holes 35 to prevent tearing. Finally, the preferred PFDsaver 20 includes the snap conversion connector strap buckle 83, whichis kept in a normally closed position for use of the combination as aType IV device.

In summary, the combination PFD/vest-type PFD saver includes the PFDsaver, which comprises: (a) a main body 61 comprising: (1) a saverpillow portion 62, (2) two substantially mirror image saver tailportions 63 extending from the saver pillow portion 62, and (3) acentral open neck 64, (4) a gap 72 extending down from the open neck 64between two closed sides of the tail portions 63, and (5) threeclosable, adjacent sides of the main body 61; (b) a releasable closuremechanism 17 on each of the three closable, adjacent sides of the mainbody 61; (c) a releasable saver waist strap device 68, a portion ofwhich is attached to a saver tail portion 63; (d) a conversion systemcomprising (1) a releasable conversion connector device 70 attached to aclosed end 71 of each of the saver tail portions 63, (2) at least two(preferably two) conversion grab straps 34 attached to the main body 61,and (3) a conversion flotation liner 75 that comprises floatableconversion flotation liner sections 75A, 75B; and (e) a lockingmechanism 40 on the main body 61 adjacent the closure mechanism 17. Themain body 61 has an open position in which the closure mechanism 17 isopen, and a closed position in which the closure mechanism 17 is closed.The PFD is not folded within the PFD saver 20, and is easy to insert inthe PFD saver and remove from the PFD saver. The PFD need not fold orinclude a hinge in order to fit in the PFD saver. Neither the PFD saver20 nor the PFD have arm holes. The PFD saver 20 is lightweight, durable,and easy to store when it is not in use.

The PFD saver 20/PFD combination with the Type II PFD 21 becomes a TypeIV PFD ready for immediate use when the conversion connector device 70is in the normally closed position. The PFD saver 20 is not merely acarrying bag for a PFD. The PFD saver 20/PFD combination when a Type IIPFD 21 is installed becomes a Type II PFD readily available for use as aType II PFD by unsnapping the buckle of the conversion connector device70. The PFD saver/PFD combination when a Type I PFD is installed becomesa Type IV PFD ready for immediate use when the conversion connectordevice 70 is in the normally closed position. The PFD saver/PFDcombination when a Type I PFD is installed becomes a Type I PFD and isreadily available for use as a Type I PFD by unsnapping the buckle ofthe conversion connector device 70. The PFD saver/PFD combination with aType II PFD is installed becomes a Type II PFD ready for immediate usewhen there is no conversion system. The PFD saver/PFD combination when aType I PFD is installed becomes a Type I PFD ready for immediate usewhen there is no conversion system.

From the foregoing it can be realized that the present invention may beeasily and conveniently utilized as a personal flotation device saver.It is to be understood that any dimensions given herein areillustrative, and are not meant to be limiting.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described usingspecific terms, this description is for illustrative purposes only. Itwill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that variousmodifications, substitutions, omissions, and changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention, and that such areintended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined bythe following claims. It is intended that the doctrine of equivalents berelied upon to determine the fair scope of these claims in connectionwith any other person's product which fall outside the literal wordingof these claims, but which in reality do not materially depart from thisinvention. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully revealthe gist of the present invention that others can, by applying currentknowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omittingfeatures that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constituteessential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of thisinvention.

1. A combination personal flotation device and vest personal flotationdevice saver, the personal flotation device saver comprising: (a) a mainbody comprising: (1) a saver pillow portion, (2) two substantiallymirror image saver tail portions extending from the saver pillowportion, and (3) a central open neck, (4) a gap extending down from theopen neck between two closed sides of the tail portions, and (5) threeclosable, adjacent sides of the main body; (b) a releasable closuremechanism on each of the three closable, adjacent sides of the mainbody; (c) a releasable saver waist strap device, a portion of which isattached to the saver tail portion; (d) a conversion system comprising(1) a releasable conversion connector device attached to a closed end ofeach of the saver tail portions, (2) at least two conversion grab strapsattached to the main body, and (3) a conversion flotation liner thatcomprises a plurality of floatable conversion flotation liner sections;and (e) a locking mechanism on the main body, the locking mechanismbeing adjacent the closure mechanism; wherein the main body has an openposition in which the closure mechanism is open, and a closed positionin which the closure mechanism is closed.
 2. The combination accordingto claim 1, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a plurality of hookand loop strips, a first portion of the hook and loop strips beingattached along an edge of a top section of the main body, a second,corresponding portion of the hook and loop strips being attached alongan edge of a bottom section of the main body; corresponding portions ofthe hook and loop strips being removably attached to one another whenthe personal flotation device saver is in the closed position.
 3. Thecombination according to claim 2, wherein at least one top flap of thepersonal flotation device saver is closed over a corresponding bottomflap of the personal flotation device saver when the personal flotationdevice saver is in the closed position.
 4. The combination according toclaim 2, wherein the saver pillow portion comprises at least two hookand loop tabs at each corner of the saver pillow portion, each set oftwo of the at least two hook and loop tabs forming a boxed corner on thesaver pillow portion.
 5. The combination according to claim 2, whereinthe locking mechanism comprises a set of locking holes on at least twosides of the personal flotation device saver, and a locking stripextending through each set of locking holes.
 6. The combinationaccording to claim 1, wherein the closure mechanism is at least onezipper, the main body further comprising an accessible locking mechanismstorage pocket.
 7. The combination according to claim 6, wherein thelocking mechanism comprises a locking strip; the at least one zipperbeing closed and locked by the locking strip, the locking stripextending through a hole in a zipper pull of the at least one zipper andat least one locking hole in the main body.
 8. The combination accordingto claim 1, further comprising: a closed tail end pocket at an end ofeach of the saver tail portions, a weight strip attached in each tailend pocket of each saver tail portion, and at least two drain holes ineach tail end pocket.
 9. The combination according to claim 1, whereinthe personal flotation device is a Type II personal flotation device,the conversion connector device comprises at least one conversionconnector strap and a corresponding conversion connector strap buckle ina normally closed position, and the combination is a Type IV personalflotation device ready for immediate use.
 10. The combination accordingto claim 1, wherein the personal flotation device is a Type II personalflotation device, the conversion connector device comprises at least oneconversion connector strap and a corresponding conversion connectorstrap buckle in an unsnapped position, and the combination is a Type IIpersonal flotation device readily available for use.
 11. The combinationaccording to claim 1, wherein the personal flotation device is a Type Ipersonal flotation device, the conversion connector device is in anormally closed position, and the combination is a Type IV personalflotation device ready for immediate use.
 12. The combination accordingto claim 1, wherein the personal flotation device is a Type I personalflotation device, the conversion connector device comprises at least oneconversion connector strap and a corresponding conversion connectorstrap buckle in an unsnapped position, and the combination is a Type Ipersonal flotation device readily available for use.
 13. A vest personalflotation device saver, comprising: (a) a main body comprising: (1) asaver pillow portion, (2) two substantially mirror image saver tailportions extending from the pillow portion, and (3) a central open neck,(4) a gap extending down from the open neck between two closed sides ofthe tail portions, (5) a closed tail end pocket at the end of each savertail portion, and (6) three closable, adjacent sides of the main body;(b) a releasable closure mechanism on each of the three closable,adjacent sides of the main body; (c) a releasable saver waist strapdevice, a portion of which is attached to the tail portion; and (d) alocking mechanism on the main body adjacent the closure mechanism;wherein the main body has an open position in which the closuremechanism is open, and a closed position in which the closure mechanismis closed.
 14. The personal flotation device saver according to claim13, further comprising: (e) a releasable conversion connector deviceattached to a closed end of each of the saver tail portions; (f) atleast two conversion grab straps, each having opposite ends attached tothe main body; and (g) a conversion flotation liner that comprises aplurality of floatable conversion flotation liner sections within thepersonal flotation device saver.
 15. The personal flotation device saveraccording to claim 13, wherein the closure mechanism comprises aplurality of hook and loop strips, a first portion of the hook and loopstrips being attached along a first edge of the main body, a second,corresponding portion of the hook and loop strips being attached along asecond edge of the main body; the corresponding first and secondportions of the hook and loop strips being removably attachable to oneanother.
 16. The personal flotation device saver according to claim 13,wherein the closure mechanism is a zipper, the locking mechanismcomprising a locking strip; the zipper being closed and locked by thelocking strip, the locking strip extending through a hole in a zipperpull of the zipper and at least one locking hole in the main body. 17.The personal flotation device saver according to claim 13, furthercomprising a Type II personal flotation device within the personalflotation device saver, where the personal flotation devicesaver/personal flotation device combination is itself a Type II personalflotation device.
 18. The personal flotation device saver according toclaim 13, further comprising a Type I personal flotation device withinthe personal flotation device saver, where the personal flotation devicesaver/personal flotation device combination is itself a Type I personalflotation device.
 19. The personal flotation device saver according toclaim 15, further comprising least two top flaps on opposite sides ofthe personal flotation device saver, and at least two bottom flaps onopposite sides of the personal flotation device saver; wherein one ofthe at least two top flaps is closed over a corresponding one of the atleast two bottom flaps when the main body is in the closed position, andthe saver pillow portion comprises at least two hook and loop tabs thatform boxed corners on the saver pillow portion.
 20. The personalflotation device saver according to claim 13, wherein the saver pillowportion comprises at least one seam that forms at least two boxedcorners on the pillow portion.